Katy ISD Earns Texas Art Education Association Distinction Award
- ncookclark
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 6, 2025
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy ISD is one of 109 districts across the state with receive the 2024-2025 Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) District of Distinction Award, an honor that celebrates outstanding leadership in visual arts education.
For the fifth time, Katy ISD has earned the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) District of Distinction Award, which hoors outstanding leadership in visual arts education.
“We are incredibly proud of our dedicated educators and talented students whose passion, creativity, and commitment to visual arts continue to enrich our schools and community in unique ways,” says Assistant Director of Fine Arts, Laura Simoneaux. “This recognition is a testament to the district’s investment in nurturing artistic expression at every grade level.”
More than 1,200 districts in Texas were eligible for recognition from the Visual Arts Administrators of Texas (VAAT), a division of TAEA, based on a 14-point rubric evaluating district-wide commitment to the visual arts.
The 14-point evaluation assesses TAEA membership, student participation in regional and state competitions, as well as engagement with the local community through art-based services and enrichment activities. The honor also highlights the importance Katy ISD puts on comprehensive, equitable access to visual arts and lifelong learning.
Katy ISD’s visual arts program stood out for its active student participation, high-quality exhibitions, community services initiatives, cross-curricular collaboration, and active involvement in TAEA events and leadership.
Katy ISD Art Students Recognized at Houston World Series of Dog Shows
Recently, five taleted Katy ISD art students were recognized for their creativity in the 2025 Dr. Mari Jon Filla Student Exhibit and Contest sponsored by the Houston World Series of Dog Shows.
These students include:
Lana Xu, Jordan High School
Alexander Morales, Schmalz Elementary
Brenda Guzman, Nelson Junior High
Maria Suarez, West Memorial Junior High
Vanessa Qi, Cinco Ranch High School
“This recognition not only reflects the creativity of our students, but also the dedication of our outstanding art educators,” says Simoneaux. “Art contests such as this allow students to connect their artistic skills with the broader community in meaningful and joyful ways. The District is proud to support students in their expression through the visual arts.”
Katy ISD welcomes students back to the new academic year next Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
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